Alleged crack dealer found during search of Hawkins home

ROGERSVILLE — Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office narcotics officers were pleasantly surprised early Saturday morning to find a suspected crack dealer allegedly in possession of a large cache of the drug visiting a residence where a search warrant was executed.

Thanks to information provided by a confidential informant, the HCSO Narcotics Unit obtained a search warrant for the residence of Gary Wayne Lawson, 37, and Stephanie Dawn Knetter, 35, both of 112 Marlow Road, Rogersville. The warrant was executed shortly after midnight Saturday morning.

Sheriff Roger Christian said a small amount of marijuana was found in the residence along with some pills believed to be Valium and various items of drug paraphernalia including a set of scales and a crack pipe covered with residue.

During the search, however, deputies found John Henry Leeper, 25, 607 Petersburg Road, Rogersville, in a bedroom of the residence.

Deputies searched Leeper and his vehicle in the driveway, a 2000 Ford Taurus, and allegedly found approximately a half ounce of crack cocaine — about 14 grams — as well as about $250 in cash.

Leeper was charged with possession of Schedule II narcotics for resale and possession of drug paraphernalia, and his cash and vehicle were seized.

Lawson and Knetter were each charged with maintaining a dwelling where narcotics are sold, violation of the Tennessee Drug Control Act, simple possession of marijuana, casual exchange of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.